Principles of Directing
Directing is a fundamental function of management that involves guiding, leading, and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals.
The principles of directing help managers effectively communicate with their teams and ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives. These principles include:
1. Maximum individual contribution:
According to this principle directing techniques must help every individual in the organization to contribute to his maximum potential for achievement of organizational objectives.
2. Harmony of objectives:
According to this principle individual objectives of employees and the organizational objectives should be directed towards same end and be complimentary, not conflicting to each other.
3. Unity of Command:
This principle insists that a person in the organization should receive instructions from one superior only otherwise there would be confusion, conflict and disorder in the organization.
4. Appropriateness of direction technique:
According to this principle, suitable motivational and leadership technique should be used based on subordinate needs, capabilities, attitudes and other situational variables.
5. Managerial communication:
There should be good communication system for the directing to be effective. Proper and clear instructions should be given to the subordinates, and timely feedback should be ensured to check whether the instructions were understood properly.
6. Use of informal organization:
A manager should make the best use of informal groups existing in the formal organization for effective directing.
7. Leadership:
As per this principle, managers should exercise good leadership as it can influence the subordinates positively without causing dissatisfaction among them.
8. Follow through:
Managers should check the implementation of their orders, review and modify the orders, from time to time.